Dan Kohler introduces the summit, wearing the Purina signature red sneakers.
This post is sponsored by Nestle Purina. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about the Purina Better With Pets Summit, but BLING, BITCHES & BLOOD only shares information I feel is relevant to my readers. Purina is not responsible for the content of this article.
Angie Bailey, Janiss Garza and I at the event.
I was honored to again be invited to attend and write about the Purina Better with Pets Summit held October 18 in New York. What fun that I also got to connect with some of my friends and colleagues, including Steve Dale and Dr. Marty Becker. One of the highlights was meeting several of the researchers I’ve interviewed over the years, including Dr. Steven Hannah, Dr. Dottie Laflamme, and Dr. Lisa Freeman. Woot! I know famous peeps!
One of my fav Purina peeps, Dr. Dottie Laflamme.
There was a lot covered at the event, with probably a few hundred bloggers and media in attendance. I tried to type fast as I could, but balancing a laptop AND shooting pictures/video with my phone required juggling skills. So I hope these videos and recaps whet your appetite (pun intended!) to learn more.
Experts Everywhere…I’m In Heaven!
I arrived Monday Oct. 17 at the hotel and checked in just in time for an informal rooftop reception. Yes, there were four-footers and two-footers in attendance. We shared biz cards, pet stories and pictures, and enjoyed the view of the NYC skyline.
The next morning, we walked a few blocks to the event venue, and were treated to a lovely breakfast. Daniel Kohler (bloggers will recognize that name…and his red shoes!) introduced the president of Purina, Nina Leigh Kreuger, who opened with fascinating information about how Purina is shaping the future of Petcare.
Opening panel, moderated by Steve Dale: Demystifying Quality & Safety. With John Bear (senior vp of manufacturing) and Shaun Kennedy (assoc prof, Dept of Vet. Population Medicine, University of Minnesota)
The content and the speakers impressed me–not just from Purina, but from universities and organizations around the country (Mayo Clinic, North Shore Animal League, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Urban Resource Institute). One of the most inspiring panels, “How A Passion for Pets Builds A Better World,” covered partnerships with hospitals and shelters (people and pet shelters). Check out the videos for more details.
Here’s a very brief recap of the whole day (including what Karma-Kat thought!) but please watch the others for more details. I promise, you don’t want to miss them.
PURINA BETTER WITH PETS IN LESS THAN 2 MINUTES…
After the first two panels, we had lunch, and checked out the kitten and puppy therapy booths. Yes, Karma-Kat, Magical-Dawg and Seren-Kitty were thrilled to receive samples (treats & more!) when I returned home.
This year, one of the stations engraved ID tags while we waited. So Karma and Magic both got shiny new tags when I got home.
There also were several “partner” exhibits, with opportunity to pick up information and learn more. I took the opportunity to sneak a couple of speakers outside for a quick interview. This is something you do NOT want to miss…and probably will want to get a similar program started in your neck of the woods.
CO-SHELTER INITIATIVE: ABUSED PEOPLE SHELTER WITH THEIR PETS!
Experts Inspired & Inspiring
One of the best parts of the Summit was hearing the scientists get just a wee bit emotional and gushy. Pets do that to you–and when you discover that you’ve made a difference, a personal connection and impact–what could be better?
What Does The Future Hold?
Don’t you love predictions? How about this…LET’S EAT BUGS! (Karma is ahead of the curve, already munching crickets).
Share It With #LetsLiveBig — How YOUR Pet Allows You to Live Bigger, Together?
I’m sort of a science geek, at least when it comes to my pets. So the “Science of Innovative Nutrition for Pets” panels was my fave. Last year, I wrote about Bright Mind dog food–my Magic began munching that last fall after we received samples, and he’s done so well on it.
This year, I again interviewed a wonderful scientist about MCT fatty acids and the benefits to the brain, but the noise level in the hall prevented the interview from being usable. That said, I was fascinated by the promising studies mentioned regarding reduction of seizure activity in dogs fed diets containing experimental levels of these ingredients. I’m encouraged that further research into the direct effect nutrition plays in disease will have a positive, and lasting impact on our pets’ lives and those who love them. That old saying, “you are what you eat” is actually TRUE!
While at the summit, attendees were encouraged to share our experiences with the hashtag #LetsLiveBig so now it’s your turn. If you’re reading this blog, I know that YOU believe pets make our lives better (and vice versa). Share how your pets help you live bigger lives together…ready, set, GO!
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book giveaways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!
Amy Shojai, CABC is a certified cat & dog behavior consultant, a consultant to the pet industry, and the award-winning author of 35+ pet-centric books and Thrillers with Bite! Oh, and she loves bling!
What an amazing experience! I’m so glad you were able to attend and I applaud Purina for hosting such an informative lineup of speakers. Thanks for sharing your videos and photos.
What a great recap of a great event. I love all the initiatives, both for pets and for humans. I too find the science fascinating and am happy to see the efforts Purina is making.
This is one heck of an event. One day I hope to visit and see such a powerhouse!
Amy did you transcribe your interview. My thought was, transcribe it if its not audible – but that’s just me!
Marjorie, I may be able to glean most of the interview by listening to it again and perhaps can add a transcription (or paraphrase content) to the video. In particular, if/when I receive further details about the MCT/seizure study, I’ll update this post. I gave the veterinary researcher my biz card, but she had none with her so I must wait for incoming communication. *s*
It sounds like it was an interesting conference.
Wow, sounds like a wonderful, power-packed event! Love the videos! I especially love the initiative to help domestic violence shelters allow women to bring their pets. This is a HUGE problem and I know many women stay in abusive relationships to protect their pets. Glad to hear Purina is getting involved with this issue!
I know! That initiative really caught my interest. There were also very moving stories about dog-people programs at the St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Mayo . . . not just dogs coming in to visit, but the child’s actual pet that gets to come. Lots of Kleenex moments during that presentation!
I’m already seeing bug-based dog treats! How A Passion for Pets Builds A Better World sounds fascinating.
Really? Buggy treats? Where…love to find out more about that! I’ve never been able to bring myself to try the “chocolate covered ants” type of stuff. But then, the first person to eat lobster probably was quite daring, too.
Lucky lady!! I’d love to be in a room full of “experts” – a great opportunity to pick their brains, given how confusing pet nutrition can be.
I learned a lot…but also now have even MORE questions! For instance, in my video where Dr. Freeman notes that the pet food packaging “ingredient list” (that most of us use to decide if food is a good choice) actually has little meaning. WHAT?!!! And that she wants to help us learn how to better determine what’s a good food… Now, that’s just not fair, to tease like that but not yet share how best to pick quality foods. I hope to follow up with her on that. 🙂
What a great event to attend. Maybe one day Mom Paula can go and learn about how to keep us happy and healthy.
This is so awesome that you got to go to an event like this!
THis sounds like such an amazing conference, thank you for sharing all
This looks like such a great experience. On of our AZ Friends was at that conference as well and she is always talking about how great it is! Maybe one day we will get to experience one as well. Thanks for sharing!
Oh, I hope you do! Since the speakers came from all over, there may be future events where they also attend/speak so I wouldn’t hesitate to look into that. For instance, Dr. Marty Becker has a whole team of peeps who give programs about his Fear Free initiative. Last year, both Dr Marty and Steve Dale attended the CWA/BlogPaws event…so that’s one place to find info.
I still don’t quite understand the purpose of this event. I know a lot of bloggers that get invited but I don’t know why as some barely post or have views. It seems to me that the purpose is to have everyone promote Purina but with no real context. I hope you understand but I just have a problem with the ones that get invited and with Purina’s motive. #notbitter
Hmnnn….not sure how to reply to this. I have no clue how/why some are invited and can only speak to my experience. Many of the folks attending not only blogged but also had followings on Instagram, Snapchat and others. *shrug* Perhaps you should reach out directly to Purina and asked to be considered for future events? I haven’t been invited to attend/participated in LOTS of events…but am very grateful when I do get the opportunity. Always happy to share information about great content/programs.
What a fabulous time! We were unfortunately not able to attend, having to cancel at the last minute. I’m looking forward to reading more – and learning from your wonderful posts. We’re wanting to learn more to the linkage that you mentioned – how fascinating!
Aww what a bummer, Rebecca! Sorry you couldn’t attend. I’m not sure if that’s the EXACT research paper that was mentioned (waiting to hear back from the folks at Purina for the link/info) but it appears to be the same concept. I will share anything further I receive.
Looks like a great event. Lots of great people to listen to. Thanks for sharing.
This sounds like an amazing conference. Mommy had planned on going to the hotel to say hi to everyone, but wasn’t able to make it. 🙁
Awww…sorry we missed you. The hotel was great but it took a long time to check in so there might not have been much time to meet up anyway. 🙁
What a wonderful experience! I would love to attend an event like this. Being in a small town we never get great panels in but I am so glad to learn a few things through you! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Joely, Thanks so much for visiting and reading. I hope you’ll be able to attend something similar, too. But until then, you can still contact some of the speakers and many will give interviews for blogs and articles. That’s a great way to make connections and learn more to share with your pet peeps.